Neck Deep - Neck Deep (Album Review)
Neck Deep – Neck Deep
Released: January 19, 2024
Lineup
Ben Barlow // Lead Vocals
Matt West // Rhythm Guitar
Sam Bowden // Lead Guitar
Seb Barlow // Bass & Backing Vox
Matt Powles // Drums
Online
It was only mere months ago that I found myself sobbing in a sweaty Sydney Roundhouse, completely captivated by the band that have now become one of the pinnacle acts of the pop-punk scene, and beyond. Today, with this outstanding legacy behind them, Neck Deep have abandoned expectations in order to reignite their own identity. Self-titled, self-made, and self-backed, Neck Deep is an exploration of the creative parameters now made unbound, and the sounds of a band in control of their direction. Permeating with confidence and spunk, sharpened by their poise and professionalism that has come from their many years, this self-titled album is a fast-paced journey through the next chapter of the beloved Brits.
Neck Deep open their self-titled journey with the track ‘Dumbstruck Dumbfuck’. With a sharp and punchy riff, the song rings true to the sound of their old days, however, embedded with a flair of their new and tantalizing style. Ben Barlow’s high vocals are a salient feature in this track, and take center stage in their unique, but incredibly loved status. True to the band’s insatiable expression of energy, the song offers a tongue in cheek display of lyricism, all conveyed perfectly through the infectious energy of the instrumentals that immediately draws you in. Woven into every section is the undying charismatic flair of every member of the band that exudes from their chosen tool, all finding one another to create this lively soundscape. Closing with what seems to be a perfect description of this era- a note of sentiment among the moving on, and embedding the past into new endeavours, Neck Deep seem to take aim at their very cause.
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‘Sort Yourself Out’ fades from a soft and slow growl into a drum driven explosion of feeling, demanding a fast pop-punk energy that situates itself as the very backbone of this body of work. This track houses one of my favourite choruses of the album, and speaks greatly for the whole tone of the song. Reflective, but not remorseful, the track does not find its connection through empathy and sorrow, but a pity that is relatable to every one of us. This is something Neck Deep have always tackled well- stories with real people, real feelings, and real expectations of how we act. There is no hyberbolisation, simply real stories that you either reflect within yourself, or find within those around you. So too, Barlow’s vocals always nail this type of vocal performance, a pressing but drained, reflective but annoyed lens. Much like the chorus, for me, ‘Sort Yourself Out’ conjures an interesting bridge that has been on instant repeat. Finalizing with a run that is vocally impressive, the track leaves much to love.
‘This Is All My Fault’, even upon first listen, became one of my instant favourites from Neck Deep. In its opening, it becomes one of the first glimpses of a less intrusive but immediately demanding direction within the album. In a way, it is calmer, but still finds its roots in a bass-driven, hearty undertone that pins it together with its fellow tracks. As Ben’s vocals immediately enter, they remain capturing for the duration of the song. One thing I had begun to notice by now, and throughout the rest of my listening experience, was the poignancy of Ben’s vocals. Of course his voice is at the forefront, but focally his performance, skill and duality is really presented. We begin to explore it through a wide array of notes, unexpected exaggerations and shifting tones, all of which is an admirable feature in this album. Much like we have already seen, the track circles between being overly expressive to embody a certain cockiness, to toning it down to real reflective moments. ‘This Is All My Fault’ takes an engaging plea to get better and marries it with an enduring case of pity for the protagonist- a useless personal case that seeps into the listener. We can’t help but feel guilty, but also reflect on the times we have not gotten better ourselves. It truly is an introspective deep dive.
One of the more recent singles, ‘We Need More Bricks’, still shines just as brightly within the album as it did on its own. The track is a pop-punk anthem that rings true thematically to all albums, and Neck Deep themselves. Despite any of their outward perceptions, quick wit, or enjoyable energy, there remains a large rate of social commentary embedded in their work. Non-intrusive, I think it is a testament to their legacy as pop-punk powerhouses, becoming a perfect example of this genre infusion. With sharp guitars and powerful slides, the song brings such an excitement, navigating away from the feelings of impending and imploring reservations that must be dealt with immediately. While the pleas are still dire, their unconventional but sincere approach always comes from a direction that avoids the usual doom, gloom, blame and guilt-tripping, making what they are saying far more digestible- and isn’t that the point! It still remains a standout track!
Following is ‘Heartbreak Of The Century’, a song in which I cannot listen to without visualizing the suit, ties, glitz and glamour of the accompanying music video. With a strong instrumental opening, one of the longest of the album in fact, it leads them to formulate a very strong backbone for the track. We also once again become privy to a dichotomous trend of self-depreciation and pity, in a light that acknowledges one’s own flaws, but is not afraid to also spew blame at the people and situations cautiously looking on at the protagonist. The track houses an infectious chorus that is simple, straight to the point, but most importantly, incredibly catchy, worming its way into your brain. Culminating to an anthemic bridge with layered vocals, yet another textured level of spunk and flair is added among the guitars dipping in and out of isolation. Snazzy in every which way, ‘Heartbreak Of The Century’ stands on its own two feet with confidence and poise.
A soft jingling takes us into ‘Go Outside!’. Instrumentally, this one is really fun, and a bit quirky at times! Dings and chimes often lurk in the background, recapturing your attention every few moments from the usual salient parts of the track, making for an intriguing listen. Although it has the same energy as its counterparts in many aspects, ‘Go Outside!’ is one of the most personally vulnerable songs from the album, and sees a more serious tone undertaken when developing lyrics about self-isolation, losing one’s self, and the dire scramble to reclaim sanity and solace in one’s mind. Once again, the bridge puts on a vocal display that is nothing short of gorgeous.
It seems like just moments ago I was struck with awe at how beautiful ‘Take Me With You’ sounded in a packed Sydney Roundhouse, with thousands of fans screaming along word-for-word to a relatively recent track. Its appeal remains strong regardless of its presentation, and it is still confident in its stature as one of the best tracks off the album. ‘Take Me With You’ delivers a prime example of how quickly the band can jump thematically and pace-wise across songs, keeping Neck Deep alive song after song. An endearing, punchy, and enticing song, it is simply just so fun… There is so much to love!
’ is a clever exploration of musical boundaries to represent the greater notion at hand. From the first note, the track dives into a nostalgic expression of the band’s roots, and begins to toy instrumentally with other foundationary acts (there is somewhat of a Blink influence to be found). It is a straight whirlwind to punchy Rain In July days, while being an advocate to the more refined approach the band takes now, a marriage of the elements that have made Neck Deep the band that they are today. This nostalgic flair becomes more engaging when you really listen to the song. ‘They May Not Mean To’ sparks a discussion of parental influences and the overwhelming, forceful, and sometimes detrimental impact that can come from the smothering, either morphing into what we once feared, or abandoning oneself in the process. Musically, it becomes a representation of finding peace between influence and self-discovery- something Neck Deep have mastered in their last few albums. This inherently punk track finds its peak in a punchy callout that descends into a riff haven, and I cannot wait to see it live.
Gliding into a soundscape with gleamingly hopeful undertones, the next track is ‘It Won’t Be Like This Forever’. The track has a vulnerability and rawness within its admission of not being okay and is reminiscent of the band’s ability to connect and dive deep at times, a feat I thought prominent in All Distortions Are Intentional. There also lies a permeating sense of perseverance and acceptance of better things to come, letting a beautiful juxtaposition flourish. ‘Take Me With You’ conjures feelings that are universal, but presents them in a way that feels personal and exclusive, with each lyric touching you greatly. This serenity is only aided by the guitars that swirl around the isolated sections of this track, a partnership of all elements that see a truly beautiful song come to fruition.
Neck Deep concludes with ‘Moody Weirdo’. The track offers a more somber take on Ben’s vocals, inducing a gentle and vulnerable approach that is backed up by a grunting riff. Soaring into a chorus constructed of affirmation, if there is one thing to note within this album, it is that even in its lowest moments, Neck Deep holds a far more positive outlook through its presentation. There is an undertone of escapism, healing, introspection, and self-discovery, which in turn, is what this self-titled era is all about. Closing off the album, ‘Moody Weirdo’ ensures that the palpable feeling of moving forward is felt by all those who listen, and colours the album as vibrant as the cover that represents it.
For a band as solidified as Neck Deep, the naked eye would think that their story is all but written, with their greatest developments far behind them. Yet, this journey into the self-titled era proves anything but. Using the lessons learned from the past, and infusing them with an impassioned and vigorous need to create music no longer lost in conventions or expectations, Neck Deep are truly only just beginning their journey. Laced with confidence, experience, and an opportunity to present themselves, completely self-made, the album presents Neck Deep at their most vulnerable- that vulnerability being the re-presentation of themselves to adoring and well-established fans.
Neck Deep – Neck Deep tracklisting
1. DumbStruck Dumbfuck
2. Sort Yourself Out
3. This Is All My Fault
4. We Need More Bricks
5. Heartbreak Of The Century
6. Go Outside!
7. Take Me With You
8. They May Not Mean To (But They Do)
9. It Won’t Be Like This Forever
10. Moody Weirdo
Rating: 8 / 10
Neck Deep is out January 19 via Hopeless Records. Pre-order here
Words by Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002
Revisit our chat with Ben and Seb Barlow in Wall Of Sound TV right here
